Weaners and rearing pigs
The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2003 (S.S.I. 2003 No. 488), Schedule 6, Part VI, Paragraph 52 states: The unobstructed floor area available to each weaner or rearing pig reared in a group shall be at least - (a) 0.15m2 for each animal where the average weight of the animals in the group is 10 kg or less; (b) 0.20m2 for each animal where the average weight of the animals in the group is more than 10 kg but less than or equal to 20 kg; (c) 0.30m2 for each animal where the average weight of the animals in the group is more than 20 kg but less than or equal to 30 kg; (d) 0.40m2 for each animal where the average weight of the animals in the group is more than 30 kg but less than or equal to 50 kg; (e) 0.55m2 for each animal where the average weight of the animals in the group is more than 50 kg but less than or equal to 85 kg; (f) 0.65m2 for each animal where the average weight of the animals in the group is more than 85 kg but less than or equal to 110 kg; (g) 1.00m2 for each animal where the average weight of the animals in the group is more than 110 kg. |
99 The figures in the box above are minimum requirements, the type of housing and its management may mean that greater space allowances are necessary. The total floor space should be adequate for sleeping, feeding and exercising. The lying area, excluding the dunging and exercise areas, should be of sufficient size to allow all the pigs to lie down on their sides at the same time.
The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003 No. 488), Schedule 6, Part VI, Paragraphs 48-51 state: 48 Weaners and rearing pigs shall be - (1) placed in groups as soon as possible after weaning; and (2) kept in stable groups with as little mixing as possible. 49 (1) If weaners and rearing pigs unfamiliar with one another have to be mixed, this should be done as at young an age as possible, preferably before or up to one week after weaning. (2) When weaners and rearing pigs are mixed they shall be provided with adequate opportunities to escape and hide from other pigs. 50 The use of tranquillising medication in order to facilitate mixing of weaners and rearing pigs shall be limited to exceptional conditions and only after consultation with a veterinary surgeon. 51 When signs of severe fighting appear among weaners and rearing pigs, the causes shall be immediately investigated and appropriate measures shall be taken. |
100 Your herd health and welfare plan should include a strategy for managing mixing and establishing groups of pigs. Plenty of space, sufficient environmental enrichment and using shower sprays/sprinklers can all help to minimise aggression at mixing. Wherever possible, pigs for fattening should be in same sex groups to avoid unnecessary sexual activity as gilts come into oestrus.